GRAIN Study - Granulocytes Against Infections - Use of granulocyte transfusion in haematopoietic stem cell transplant

Granulocyte transfusions (GTx) combat infections in neutropenic patients. However, immune-mediated off-target effects in transplant settings are unknown. Between January 2020 and December 2021, all transplants that used GTx during the peri-transplant period were analysed. Engraftment, infections, and days to clearance were retrieved from clinical records. Overall survival is compared with the mean total PMN count and the different products. Pooled buffy coat was used in 110 patients (98 %), of which 38 (34 %) additionally received an apheresed product. The median days of GTx was 4. The median bags pooled to prepare a single buffy coat product was 4. The mean total PMN count was 0.98 × 10¹⁰/ L granulocytes per pooled buffy coat and 1.93 × 10¹⁰/L granulocytes per apheresis product. A higher PMN count (>1 × 10¹⁰/L) was achieved in 48 % with pooled buffy coat versus 85 % with apheresis. Respiratory worsening occurred in 39 % receiving GTx. All patients who received granulocytes had engrafted with a median time of 14 days for neutrophil and 20 days for platelet engraftment. Blood cultures cleared in 81 %, whereas only 28 % cleared other cultures. Fungal pneumonia cleared in 25 %, and invasive fungal sinusitis or otitis cleared in 50 %. Overall survival was 47 %, non-significantly higher (57 % vs 39 %, P = 0.1) with a higher PMN dose. The pooled buffy coat is an affordable alternative to apheresis for an effective PMN dose. Ease of availability and low cost of pooled buffy coat, with comparable overall survival points toward a safe and efficacious product, in the peri-transplant period.